Please forward this to ONE Canadian immigrant today and tell them to subscribe here.
TL;DR
In July 2026 the average rent asked for one-bedroom apartments in Calgary dropped to $1,600, which was more than 5% lower than the previous year.
The housing provided by the University of Calgary can cost as much as $17,973 for first-year students over the academic term, including a compulsory meal plan.
It has been reported by student leaders that students are having to live in crowded houses, are couch surfing, or are waiting for their landlords to deal with safety issues.
Alberta's updated student aid assessments ask for higher student contributions. They also look at parental or spousal income in some situations.
Calgary rents have eased as new apartments enter the market, but university students continue to struggle with the cost and safety of available housing.
A good deal of the extra vacancy in Calgary is due to newer, more expensive apartments, whereas older buildings offering lower rents and larger units are still difficult to get into. As a result, students have to decide between staying in expensive accommodation close to the campus and taking cheaper alternatives which might be overcrowded, unsafe, or a long way from the school.
In July, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Calgary dropped by more than five per cent year on year to $1,600, while that for a two-bedroom apartment was $1,950, according to rental market data reported by the Calgary Herald. The citywide vacancy rate reached approximately 5% by the end of 2025, up from 1.4% during the earlier period of short supply.
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation found that vacancies were highest in buildings completed after 2020 and in units near post-secondary institutions. Older buildings and family-sized apartments remained tighter.
Mahad Rzain, who is the external vice-president at the University of Calgary Students' Union, stated that students are still experiencing housing instability even though the wider market has improved.
“We still hear about students that are couch surfing or effectively homeless,” Rzain said in an interview with the Calgary Herald.
Campus housing costs
The University of Calgary anticipates that there will be over 2,800 students living on campus during the 2026-27 period, of which more than 1,200 will be first-year students.
According to the residence rates published by the university, a first-year student occupying a double room at either Kananaskis or Rundle has to pay $9,862 if they take a five-day meal plan, while a single Scholars' Advantage suite costs $17,973 with a seven-day plan.
First-year students who go directly from high school and are under 21 must have a meal plan, and the fees include the cost of furniture, utilities, internet, tenant's insurance, and resident activities.
Student aid assessments have also changed
Students also have to deal with changes to Alberta Student Aid. For the 2026-27 period the province has increased the expected student contribution from $1,500 to $3,000. When assessing dependent students parental income can be taken into account, whereas for married or common-law students their contribution will be calculated based on their partner's income.
The province states that the changes bring Alberta's system into line with the federal programme. The Alberta Student Aid guidelines include exemptions for students who are receiving disability or income support. In addition, appeals could be made following a family breakdown or if a parent or partnerrefuses to give financial information.
What this means for you
When you are beginning school in Calgary, it is important to compare the total cost for the whole academic year rather than the advertised monthly rent; you should also take into account the cost of transit, utilities, furniture, tenant's insurance, and any necessary meal plan.
First-year students at the University of Calgary who are 21 years of age or younger are guaranteed housing on campus, but it is advised that you apply for it when you submit your university application.
Those who wish to apply for provincial financial assistance should do so at least 60 days before classes start, since processing times can exceed 45 days during busy periods. If the financial assessment takes into account the fact that support from a parent or partner will not be received, you should quickly contact your school's financial aid office to discuss any necessary documentation, exemptions, or an appeal.
